Episode 13:“The Return of the Crown”
2265 Words
[Opening Scene – The Palace of Paimon, Morning]
The grand halls of Stolas’s restored palace glowed with a new light. For the first time in over a century, the Goetia banners unfurled again — dark purple velvet etched in golden constellations. Servants bustled with excitement, word spreading like wildfire: their prince had returned.
Inside Stolas’s chambers, Octavia sat at her father’s side, carefully adjusting his ceremonial attire. His robes shimmered with a blend of midnight blue and gold threading, heavy with runes of lineage. The crown-like hat lay nearby, waiting.
Octavia (hesitant, holding the hat):
“Here… you should wear this again. It… it suits you.”
Stolas’s eyes watered slightly. For so long, he had feared she would never look at him without anger. But today, there was gentleness. He lowered himself so she could place the crown-hat on his head.
Stolas (softly):
“My little star… you don’t know how much this means to me.”
Octavia blinked, brushing a stray feather.
Octavia (quiet but firm):
“I’m just glad to see my dad back… not the broken one.”
The father and daughter shared a long, quiet embrace.
---
[Entrance – The Royal Family Arrives]
The palace trumpets sounded. A ceremonial announcement echoed through the marble halls:
Herald:
“Now entering: King Paimon, Sovereign of Stars, with Her Grace Queen Octavia of the Moonlit Court, and Their Highborn Children, Prince Oberon and Princess Vaude!”
The chamber doors swung open.
King Paimon strode tall and commanding, his frame adorned in celestial armor that gleamed like starlight. His owl-like visage was stern, yet his eyes softened upon seeing his son.
Queen Octavia followed — her design directly resembling TEATHEKOOK’s artwork, graceful, blinking softly, a single flower clasped in her hands. She radiated a maternal warmth that stood in stark contrast to Stella’s venom.
Prince Oberon entered, statuesque and noble, his appearance similar to Pinterest fanart depictions — dark plum feathers, broad shoulders, wearing a regal emerald robe, carrying himself with an air of pride.
Princess Vaude stepped delicately behind him, her design reminiscent of Pinterest references — pale lavender feathers, eyes bright with curiosity, her gown stitched with constellations that shimmered faintly as she moved.
Octavia (the younger) froze when she saw her grandmother.
Octavia (whispering):
“That’s… her?”
Stolas (smiling softly):
“Yes, my mother. Come, Via… she’s waited to meet you.”
---
[Emotional Meeting – Octavia Meets Queen Octavia]
Queen Octavia knelt gently, lowering the flower to her granddaughter. Her expression was kind, no hint of judgment.
Queen Octavia (tenderly):
“You’ve grown so beautifully, child of my child. I am sorry I was not here sooner.”
Octavia hesitated, her throat tight. She had only ever known Stella’s venom and her father’s pain. But here was warmth — genuine, unfamiliar. She stepped forward and accepted the flower.
Octavia (sniffling):
“Everyone… made me feel like family didn’t matter. But… I’m glad you do.”
The Queen pulled her into an embrace. The court fell silent, moved. Even Blitz — peeking from behind a pillar with Loona — sniffled dramatically.
Blitzo (whispering):
“Ugh, great. Family drama but the good kind. This is gross. I’m crying.”
Loona (deadpan):
“Shut up, Blitz.”
---
[Sibling Reunion – Oberon and Vaude]
Prince Oberon clapped Stolas on the shoulder with surprising force.
Oberon (booming):
“Brother! At last, you stand tall again. I had half a mind to storm this palace myself when I heard of Stella’s schemes.”
Stolas (chuckling nervously):
“You always did have the subtlety of a meteor, Oberon.”
Princess Vaude approached more gently, her eyes studying her uncle with admiration.
Vaude (softly):
“Father always spoke of you… the dreamer. The star-gazer who sang to the cosmos.It good to finally see you again, Brother.”
Stolas bowed to her, hand over his chest.
Stolas:
“And I am glad to meet the voice of tomorrow. May your light shine brighter than even ours.”
---
[Banquet Scene – Daniel Tries to Blend In]
The banquet table stretched like a jeweled ribbon down the center of the grand hall. Silver dishes reflected the golden candlelight, wines shimmered in crystal chalices, and heavenly fruits glittered like tiny suns. The Goetia family dined with effortless poise, every movement refined, every gesture steeped in centuries of etiquette.
At the far end sat Daniel. Out of his armor, his thin shirt and long shorts felt almost too casual in the opulence of the hall. His wildcat ears twitched at every clink of glass, every scrape of cutlery. His claws, though carefully retracted, hovered stiffly over the utensils as though they were weapons he hadn’t trained with.
He drew in a slow breath. I’ve faced demons in alleys, warbands in blood-soaked streets, syndicates with knives at my throat. But this— He swallowed. This is harder than any of them.
He copied what he saw. Stolas cut his roast with slow precision, then dabbed his beak with a napkin. Daniel adjusted, mimicking the action — only his hand trembled slightly, the fork nearly slipping from his grip. He could feel eyes on him. He kept his face neutral, serious as ever, but under the surface his chest tightened with nerves.
Across the table, Loona noticed first. Her sharp amber eyes softened. She leaned toward Blitz, murmuring just low enough for Daniel not to hear.
Loona (quietly):
“He’s nervous. Look at his hands. He doesn’t belong to this scene, Blitz… he’s trying too hard.”
For once, Blitz didn’t smirk or joke. He followed her gaze, seeing the wildcat’s taut shoulders, the way Daniel’s ears kept flicking back whenever someone glanced at him. He sighed through his nose — the kind of sigh he usually reserved for rare, unspoken moments of sincerity.
Blitz (whispering back):
“Yeah… damn. Big scary cat, but sitting at the wrong table makes him feel like a kid again.”
Loona gave him a small nudge.
Loona:
“Then do something. But don’t make it a joke.”
Blitz hesitated — then straightened, leaning just enough into Daniel’s space so his voice wouldn’t carry across the royal hall.
Blitz (softly, steady):
“Hey. You’re fine. Nobody’s judging you here.”
Daniel’s ear flicked toward him, though his eyes stayed fixed on the plate.
Daniel (quiet, guarded):
“I… don’t fit this. I’m no royal. I shouldn’t even be at this table.”
Blitz (firm, without teasing):
“You’re here because you’ve had Stolas’s back. Because you’ve had Via’s back. That counts for more than some shiny fork tricks. Just… breathe. Eat how you want. You don’t need to prove anything.”
Daniel blinked, caught off guard. He expected a jab, a snicker. But Blitz’s voice was steady, grounded in truth.
Loona leaned slightly closer from the other side, her tone calm, almost protective.
Loona:
“He’s right. You don’t have to copy them. Just be you. Nobody at this table wants perfection from you — least of all us.”
Daniel finally looked up, his golden eyes flicking between the two of them. Their gazes were steady, not mocking, not pitying. Just… there. Supportive.
He exhaled slowly, the tightness in his chest loosening. His shoulders eased down an inch, his tail settling against the chair instead of twitching.
With steadier hands, he carved a simple bite from the roast, bringing it to his mouth without overthinking the motion. It wasn’t perfect — he almost used the wrong knife — but it was his. He ate at his own pace, no longer forcing himself into awkward mimicry.
Blitz gave the smallest nod of approval, leaning back into his chair like nothing had happened. Loona offered the ghost of a smile before turning her attention back to her plate.
Daniel remained quiet, but inside, the storm of nerves had calmed. He was still the grumpy, serious cat — but now, he wasn’t alone at the table.
[Private Balcony – Stolas and Queen Octavia]
Later, Stolas stood alone on the balcony, staring at the stars. His mother joined him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Queen Octavia (gently):
“You’ve suffered, my son. But look around. Your daughter, your kin, your friends… they are still with you. Do not let shame blind you to love.”
Stolas’s voice cracked.
Stolas:
“I was so close to losing her, mother. Octavia… she hated me.”
Queen Octavia:
“And yet she is here, crowning you again. Redemption is not a gift, Stolas. It is a garden — you must tend it daily.”
Stolas nodded, wiping his eyes.
[Surprise Gift – For Octavia]
The banquet hall quieted as Queen Octavia rose.
Queen Octavia (addressing young Octavia):
“My dear granddaughter, you deserve to know you are cherished. So I bring this gift.”
She unveiled a small, star-shaped pendant glowing faintly with runes.
Queen Octavia:
“This belonged to me when I was your age. May it guide you whenever you feel lost.”
Octavia clutched it tightly, tears forming.
Octavia:
“Thank you, Grandma… I’ll treasure it.”
Stolas smiled, his heart swelling at the sight of three generations united.
After the Banquet – A Moment of Thanks]
The great hall had emptied of clinking chalices and formal chatter, replaced now with the quiet hum of servants clearing dishes and candles guttering low. The Goetia family lingered in softer tones, free from the stiff weight of etiquette. Stolas laughed lightly with his father and siblings near the hearth, his feathers shining in the fire’s glow — lighter, freer than he had seemed in years.
Daniel stood just outside the circle, arms folded, his expression stoic as ever though his posture was relaxed from the long meal. Blitz hovered beside him, still trying to straighten his coat after fumbling his way through royal dining customs.
It was then Queen Octavia approached, her long gown whispering across the marble floor. By her side, young Octavia (Via) trailed quietly, hands clasped in front of her.
Both Blitz and Daniel instinctively straightened, like soldiers summoned before command.
Queen Octavia smiled gently, her eyes full of warmth.
Queen Octavia:
“You two. Blitzo of I.M.P… Daniel, our wildcat guardian.”
Blitz gave an awkward little wave.
Blitz:
“Uh… yep, that’s us. The babysitters from Hell. Well—literally Hell, but you know what I mean.”
To his surprise, the queen chuckled softly, then set a hand on Via’s shoulder, encouraging her forward. The young owl’s gaze shifted between them — shy, but determined.
Via:
“I… wanted to say thank you. Both of you. For being there when Dad needed someone. For being there when I needed someone. Even when I didn’t realize it.”
Her voice trembled, but her eyes were firm. Blitz softened, a rare flicker of sincerity stealing over his face.
Blitz (quietly, earnest):
“Kid… you don’t owe us thanks. We’re just glad you and your old man made it through all that. Trust me — I wasn’t about to let him go down alone.”
Daniel met Via’s eyes, his usually hard expression gentling just slightly.
Daniel:
“You’ve got strength, Octavia. More than you know. But no one… no one deserves to fight through that kind of storm without someone in their corner. I only did what had to be done.”
Queen Octavia’s gaze lingered on him, perceptive and steady.
Queen Octavia:
“And yet, it means everything. You both saw my son not as a title, but as a soul worth protecting. That is something I will not forget.”
She inclined her head with regal grace, a gesture of respect that seemed to weigh more than any golden crown.
Via, after a hesitant pause, stepped forward and hugged Blitz quickly — catching him off guard but drawing a genuine smile from him. Then, she looked up at Daniel.
The wildcat stiffened. His instincts screamed to retreat, to vanish into shadows as he always did. But when she reached out, he allowed it — a simple, quiet touch of her hand against his armored forearm.
Via (softly):
“Even grumpy cats can be heroes.”
Daniel blinked, startled, then let out the faintest huff of breath — a sound that might almost have been a laugh.
Queen Octavia placed her hand over her granddaughter’s, then looked at both of them.
Queen Octavia:
“Stolas is fortunate to have you near. And so are we.”
With that, she guided Via back toward the family, leaving Blitz and Daniel standing together in silence.
Blitz rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Daniel.
Blitz:
“See? Not so bad being noticed, huh?”
Daniel only folded his arms again, his tail flicking once behind him.
Daniel:
“…Maybe.”
But on the inside, the wildcat felt something rare — a warmth, small but undeniable, pressing against the edges of his solitude.
[Closing Scene – Nightfall]
The family gathered one last time before retiring. Oberon promised to visit often, Vaude spoke of wanting to share celestial dances, and King Paimon declared that the Goetia name would rise stronger than ever.
As they departed, Octavia leaned her head on her father’s shoulder.
Octavia (softly):
“I think… I finally know what family’s supposed to feel like.”
Stolas kissed her head, whispering:
Stolas:
“And I finally know what it means to keep it.”
The camera panned upward, stars glimmering above the palace. For the first time in a long time, the constellation of the Goetia Owl shone clear against the crimson Hellsky.
[End Episode]
- Writer
